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New Zealand First does not deal with the issue specifically in its 08 policy, but does promise to “reduce the layers of bureaucracy which have increasingly been superimposed onto local government”. However, it supports strong state assets suggests a need for public servants and as Foreign Affairs minister Winston Peters supported a significant increase in the number of diplomats.

New Zealand First will “stop state asset sales”. If considered appropriate, and only where necessary, public assets currently in the hands of the Government will be commercially managed in the public interest and ownership. Its policy also states, “The private interest of foreign shareholders is not our concern, the public interest of New Zealanders is."

New Zealand First strongly supports restrictions on foreign ownership in New Zealand. Specifically, it would limit foreign investment in strategic/infrastructural assets to 24.9%; ensure that any foreign investment must be in the interests of New Zealand; seek to re-establish New Zealand ownership of key infrastructure.

New Zealand First policy is silent on this specific issue, but it has been both critical of MMP, saying it “has not created any real institutional and attitudinal change”, and advocates “greater use of public referenda”. Its policy says, “Binding referenda will be triggered by petitions achieving support of 10% of the electorate. Both government and members’ bills that have the support of parliament can, where stipulated, also trigger a binding referendum."

The party makes no mention of returning to the Pricy Council in its policy, but says no major constitutional changes will be made without a public referendum.

New Zealand First believes there is “an important role” for publicly owned television. It will merge TVNZ and RNZ and give the new company the aim of promoting our nation’s unique qualities. TV One would become a public service channel and TV2 a commercial channel.